March 11th, 2008 Vol 49, no 26
Spiritual Celebration and Programs
March 16th
9:15AM - Spiritual Celebration: "Confronting Our Mortality"
A classic Unitarian joke describes how, while others walking toward the pearly gates want to get into Heaven, Untarians would rather turn at the fork in the road to follow the sign: "Discussion about Heaven." In practice, though, we often don't talk as a community about how we handle death and loss in the absence of a traditional Christian belief in Heaven. Marta Caminero-Santangelo will share reflections and lead discussion on possible roads that Unitarians might take, if belief in Heaven proves to be a "Dead End."
10:45 a.m. Program: Judge Jean Shepard will discuss the needs of children and women in our community.
March 23rd
Easter9:15AM - Spiritual Celebration: "Resurrecting the Mythological Jesus." During the last century, mainstream Christian scholars -- and some Unitarian Universalists -- have been in search of the historical Jesus. Findings to date: much of the New Testament is not factual and we can't be sure what Jesus really did or said, or even if he really lived. Join Consulting Minister Jill Jarvis for an Easter Service of celebration as we go in search of the mythological Jesus and explore the ancient wisdom to be found in the resurrection story.
10:45 a.m. Program: Easter/Spring celebration led by Sherry Warren and Janney Burgess
EASTER POTLUCK DINNER TO FOLLOW. Details to be announced.
March 30th UUA JUSTICE SUNDAY
9:15AM - Spiritual Celebration: Angela Feruson will be the speaker.
10:45 a.m. Program:: Angela Ferguson will address issues in immigration.
April 6th
9:15AM - Spiritual Celebration: Member Dave Fullerton will give the reflection. Dave says: "What Elie Wiesel wrote in the book "Night" about his life before the Holocaust may be the key to understanding why he wrote the book and what he wanted to express - a message I believe that is very palatable for UUs."
10:45 a.m. Program: Life Transitions:The Later Years". Helen Gilles, Earl Nehring, and Arthur and Janney Burgess will reflect on meeting the changes and challenges life brings as one grows older.
Progress on our Plan
Steering Committee Report to the Membership Last Sunday, March 9th
Several members of the Steering Committee reported on progress being made with respect to our long-range Plan for 2006-2011.
Barbara Schowen reminded us of achievements, as well as ongoing plans, related to enhancements in programming, including the Sunday morning experience, religious education programs, welcoming and orienting newcomers, adult programming, and additional social action and community involvement, noting last year's Sunday Morning Task Force and this year's Strategic Planning Task Force and five Project Teams.
A major part of our Plan, of course, entailed the design and construction of a much-needed addition to our facility, now a definite reality. Bob Harper walked us through the building addition, using his recent photos of the various spaces under construction, and showed a projected timeline for completion of various phases between now and the hoped-for completion date of mid July.
Joe Hollowell provided a hard look at our financial realities and projections. He reported the total cost of our building expansion, including architect and extras (furnishings, restroom and RE-wing upgrades, AV, handicap parking), and affirmed our commitment to an operational reserve for non-construction aspects of our Plan (including programming). He noted that annual operating costs will increase due to mortgage and maintenance of the new addition, and that deficits will accumulate even assuming income growth. He emphasizes the importance of pledge growth exceeding the average of the last 5 years – by around 50%, (that is by a factor of 1.5). He explained that the operational reserve will cover the deficit until 2012 by which time our income must have grown through increased membership and/or larger financial contributions or expenses cut.
Graham Kreicker gave an update of the three-year capital campaign. Two years before the official end of the campaign an amazing 82% of pledged amounts have already been received, with additional funds expected in 2008. Our 07-08 operating fund receipts are lagging due to the regretted departure of some members who will be missed. It is hoped that the membership's full engagement in the auction and supermarket gift card and certificate purchase will help erase the deficit. We need to take in $9,000 through these efforts this year in order to stay in the black.
Valerie Roper provided an update on ministerial services, explaining that to continue with our half-time SCORE minister, our fair share contribution of $21,000 to SCORE will be recommended during our 2008-2009 budget process. She reminded us of the need to form a ministerial search committee by mid-summer as we make plans to hire our own part-time minister. She summed up the session by noting that major strides have been made in achieving the many goals of the Plan, that solid and thoughtful planning for the remaining aspects of the Plan continues, and that our participation, individually and collectively, is what makes our Plan successful.
Members who wish additional or more specific information, including financial, may receive a more detailed copy of this summary or the presentation itself from Barbara Schowen bschowen@sunflower.com Some copies will also be made available at the Fellowship.
The UFL Picture Directories
The UFL Picture Directories have arrived!
Copies for those who participated in the portrait sessions in October, or who submitted a photo for inclusion, can be picked up at the Fellowship after the 9:15 service or the 10:45 program for the next two Sundays. Those who were unable to participate may obtain a copy at cost, $3.75. When you pick up your directory, please have your Name Tag on, and if needed, check or money ready. Our heartfelt thanks to Susan Rickman for shepherding this project from portrait session organization to directory layout to proofreading!
Sward Honored in J-W Column
Our own Ellen Sward was the subject of K.U. Law Professor, Mike Helfrich's weekly Journal-World column on Feb. 28th. He praised her great humanitarian efforts, but stated that her own modesty led to her request to not be named in the story, which is titled "One of KU's Everyday Heros." But, to UUs who appreciate her service, it was easy to know who Mike was writing about. The column is posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship basement.
Rev. Bill Sinkford to Speak
Sunday, May 18th - Mark your calendars!
Rev. Jim Eller at All Souls has arranged for our UUA President, Rev. Bill Sinkford, to speak at a Southern Cluster event in Lawrence at 4:00 pm. on Sunday, May 18th. More details will be forthcoming soon.
Just Food
Remember that this Sunday, March 16th, is our monthly "Just Food" collection day. Please bring any boxed or canned food items and drop them in the shopping cart downstairs in the Social Hall. (Also greatly appreciated are any toiletries, diapers, and laundry supplies.) Thanks to all of you for helping to alleviate hunger in Lawrence.
Come to the Spring/Easter potluck
Following the March 23rd program.
Look for a sign-up sheet in the Social Hall
Come Sing with Us
Sunday, March 16, 4:00 pm
At the Hollowell/Russell farm.
Anytime after 2:00 to walk Stay for potluck at 6:00, Followed by Fiddlers' Jam
For information and directions: erussell32@yahoo.com or call 785-887-6879
The Drum Beat Continues
FOR MARCH 29th Among the gifts - offers of services and items contributed by members - for our Annual Fundraising Auction on Saturday, March 29th, are a luminous Louis Copt painting, a delightful needlework pillow, relaxing vacations in Valerie and John Roper's time share and the Jarvis/Cox home in the French Pyrenees, a pickup truck, a wine tasting, yummy food items of all kinds, and other marvelous goodies that will go to the highest bidder.
If you haven't yet filled out a form describing the service or item you plan to donate, please do so and give the form to Della Hadley, Ted Wilson, or Carol Del Nevo or let one of them know about your intended gift. We will be compiling the auction catalog after the meetings on Easter Sunday, the 23rd.
There also will be super gifts donated by local businesses to be won in the Unitarian version of a raffle. And, of course, plan to come out to the Fellowship on the
29th with a healthy appetite (sandwiches, nibblies, wine, lemonade, and--of course--coffee will be provided), your checkbook, and the desire to see that this occasion is a huge success. Remember that the silent auction opens for bids at 4:00 and the public auction kicks off at 5:30. The festivities are expected to wrap up by 7:30 p.m. Many Thanks! ~Ted Wilson
Chair, Fundraising Committee
Fellowship Helps LINK Two Ways
On Saturday, the 8th, our volunteers brought in many prepared dishes of food, then served 145 guests and cleaned up at LINK, the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen. This is part of our many years of service to LINK under the guidance of our Social Action Committee. Ellen Sward directs this effort while Mark Larson purchases the milk and other perishable items needed each time we serve. This food costs about $120 each time and the funds come from a yearly special collection rom our members for this purpose. The Social Action Committee also allocates $400 per year to LINK to help cover overhead and administration. Our liaison to the LINK Board, Janney Burgess, reports that the LINK leadership has voted to purchase a badly needed new stove with this year's donation from our Fellowship. Our sincere thanks to all our members who support LINK with money, food and labor!
Watercolors by Joyce Schild
Art Exhibit for March and April: Watercolors by Joyce Schild.
Artist Statement: "I paint exclusively in watercolor paint. I've tried oil, guache, ink, and given away my supplies of them. I enjoy painting flowers, landscapes, portraiture. I love to be attracted to my source of inspiration; I enjoy composition, drawing, light and dark, color. I use many colors- no set palette. I paint for my own pleasure and challenge.
I have a B.A. and M.A. in Art Education and have taught art from Kindergarten to College. Before coming to Lawrence in 1950 I was an Instructor in Art Education at the University of Iowa.
When we were members of the Lawrence Unitarian Fellowship I painted two large watercolors of the building- one blue, one red, and gave them to the Fellowship.
They may still be there.
My husband Al was chairman of the Fellowship at one time. He also built the first "pulpit", and I put up walls, and other things"
"Beyond Theology"
Every Sunday at 1:00 pm. you can watch a public television program on KCPT that is jointly underwritten by All Souls UU Church in Kansas City and Shawnee Mission UU Church in Overland Park. Titled "Beyond Theology" it provides an insightful and provocative look at religions issues in 21st century America. If are out at that time of day and you have a recording device, it is worth using so you can catch the program later.
Calling all Talented Youth!
This summer will be your time to shine! The Spiritual Celebration team would love to highlight your talents this summer. The ULF Choir will be on vacation, so we hope to fill the musical interlude portion of the first service with your talent. This is a wonderful environment for young performers (beginners as well as accomplished), as the listeners care and support our youth. Jitters, nerves and mistakes are ignored. If you are interested in participating in the musical interlude (piano, instrumental. vocal, dance, something else???), please contact Susan Harper, musical director, at 785-830-8487 or sbharper@sbcglobal.net. Please include your name, your contact information, your talent and the dates you will be available. Thanks again! ~Susan Harper